Money
Funeral Expenses Payment: government help with funeral costs
Last updated 30 April 2026
The Funeral Expenses Payment is a means-tested grant from the Department for Work and Pensions for people on certain benefits who are responsible for arranging a funeral. It typically pays £1,000 toward funeral director’s charges plus the necessary burial or cremation fees in full. It does not cover everything — but it can be a meaningful step toward a manageable funeral.
Who can apply
You may qualify if you, or your partner, receive one of these benefits:
- Universal Credit, Income Support, or income-based JSA/ESA.
- Pension Credit.
- Housing Benefit.
- Working Tax Credit (with disability or severe disability element) or Child Tax Credit.
You also need to be the partner, close relative, or close friend taking responsibility for the funeral, and the relationship must meet the DWP’s criteria — most commonly partner or parent.
What it pays
- Burial or cremation fees in full (the third-party fee paid to the cemetery or crematorium).
- The cost of moving the body more than 50 miles, where applicable.
- Up to £1,000 toward other funeral director’s charges (coffin, hearse, professional services).
How to apply
Apply via GOV.UK or by phone to the Bereavement Service helpline. You can apply before the funeral or up to six months after. The funeral director’s itemised invoice is required as part of the claim.
What it doesn't cover
The grant doesn’t cover the full cost of an attended funeral in most cases. The £1,000 cap on funeral director’s charges typically falls well short of a traditional service. If a direct cremation is otherwise acceptable to the family, it’s often a better fit with the level of support available.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Funeral Expenses Payment?
It pays the burial or cremation fee in full, plus up to £1,000 toward the funeral director's other charges. It also covers some travel costs in specific situations.
Can I apply if I'm on Universal Credit?
Yes, Universal Credit is one of the qualifying benefits — provided you also meet the relationship criteria with the deceased.
Will the payment cover everything?
Usually not for an attended funeral. It does cover most or all of a basic direct cremation when the cremation fee plus a £1,000 contribution is enough to settle the funeral director's bill.
Methodology
Prices are taken from funeral directors’ published CMA Standardised Price Lists where available. Funeral Cost Index does not sell placement to funeral directors and does not rank providers by commission.
Find published prices near you
Search by postcode or browse cities to see funeral directors’ published Standardised Price Lists in your area.